Investigation of musculoskeletal disorders, hand grip strength, wrist proprioception, reaction time and postural awareness in office workers at high ergonomic risk

Objectives. This study examined musculoskeletal disorders, handgrip strength, wrist proprioception, reaction time (RT) and postural awareness in office workers at high ergonomic risk. Methods. The cross-sectional study involved 150 office workers aged 25–45 years. Ergonomic risk was evaluated using the rapid office strain assessment, dividing participants into high-risk (n = 52) and low-risk (n = 98) groups. Musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire, pain intensity with the visual analog scale, handgrip strength with a dynamometer, wrist proprioception with a goniometer, RT with the choice ruler drop test and postural awareness with the postural habits and awareness scale. Results. Office workers with high ergonomic risk demonstrated significantly lower dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength and greater wrist joint position sense error compared with those without ergonomic risk (p < 0.05). Non-dominant extremity RT was significantly slower in the high-risk group (p = 0.013). Postural habits and awareness scores were significantly lower among workers at ergonomic risk (p < 0.001). Upper back musculoskeletal complaints were significantly associated with high ergonomic risk (p = 0.011). Conclusions. High ergonomic risk is associated with reduced neuromuscular performance and increased musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers. These findings emphasize the importance of ergonomic assessment and preventive interventions in office environments.